Sylvia D. Kimmel, 88, longtime resident of Great Neck, died peacefully at home, Saturday, Aug. 22. Cherished daughter of the late Abraham and Sarah Ducker; loving wife of Howard B. Kimmel; devoted mother of Linda Kimmel Engle, Debra Kimmel Kresch and Lawrence M. Kimmel; revered grandmother of Michael and Darrell Engle, Rachelle and Jolie Kresch, and Ava and Mark Kimmel; and adored sister of her late siblings, Morris Ducker, Mae Schleimer and Irving Ducker.
Sylvia was born January 6, 1927, in Brooklyn, NY. She met her husband, Howard, while roller skating on Thanksgiving Day in 1942. They formed a beautiful friendship and were later married for 67 wonderful years. Sylvia graduated from New Utrecht High School and Brooklyn College. During their early years as a couple, Sylvia worked as a second-
grade teacher in the New York City school system.
Sylvia and Howard moved to Queens and then to Great Neck, where they raised their three
children and actively participated in the community. Sylvia served various roles for the Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel, the League of Women Voters, the Girl Scouts, the PTA and the Anna and Philip Kimmel Foundation. After her children left home, she worked as a case manager for Nassau County Department of Social Services and then the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs.
Sylvia was an intelligent woman who nurtured deep relationships with her extended family, in-laws and friends. Funeral services were held August 25 at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, officiated by Rabbi Robert S. Widom and attended by many. Sylvia’s kindness and generosity will be remembered, and her wisdom and warmth will be dearly missed. Contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of your choice or to the Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts Program at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck.
